Diversity Straight Up: The ROI of social leadership

In the latest episode of the CBJ podcast, “Diversity Straight Up,” hosts Sarika Bhakta and Anthony Arrington talk with Steve Shriver, co-founder and CEO of Eco Lips, about being an ally in turbulent times, the return on investment when it comes to social and environmental leadership, and the journey to becoming a Certified B Corporation.

“Basically, underrepresented populations, they’re given way more hurdles, and I see it everyday. So part of life mission is to, I guess, share the wealth that I get or have from my privilege. I probably wouldn’t have been able to articulate it that way five years ago.”

Listen below or subscribe to the show at SoundCloudiTunesSpotify, Google Podcasts and Stitcher. Diversity Straight Up is presented by Collins Aerospace, the city of Cedar Rapids and Alliant Energy.

About Steve Shriver:
Steve Shriver is an entrepreneurial pioneer in the organic and sustainability movement. He has been in the natural and organic skin care business since 1997, founding and selling skin care manufacturer Raining Rose, then founding Eco Lips Organic Lip Balm, a brand sold in more than 12,000 retailers across the United States and abroad.  Although he still holds a majority position in Eco Lips, he also co-owns Brewhemia, a bustling café; SOKO Outfitters, an outdoor travel and adventure store, and The Olympic South Side Theater, all of which are in Cedar Rapids.  Additionally, Steve is the CEO and shareholder of Secure Outlet, a patented electrical outlet focused invented in Cedar Rapids which focuses on safety. He was named Entrepreneur of the year by the Corridor Business Journal in 2014, and has personally consulted with over 100 small businesses and startups, sharing his expertise across many industries.

About the hosts:
Sarika Bhakta is president of Nikeya Diversity Consulting and a Certified Diversity Executive with more than 20 years of experience in leadership, management, talent attraction/retention and resource acquisition/development. Born in Gujarat, India and raised in the Midwest, Sarika empowers leaders to identify their authentic self to be successful change agents in today’s global economy.

Anthony Arrington is co-founder and managing partner with Top RANK Professional & Executive Search and Consulting, a search firm focused on helping companies acquire professional and executive-level talent, with a special emphasis on diverse and inclusive leadership. He has more than 20 years of experience in management, strategic planning, leadership and staff development in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors.